Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken has emphasized the importance of making the most of pre-season friendlies as the club prepares for a challenging Champions League qualifying campaign. With the Scottish Premiership season opener against Aberdeen scheduled for August 1, Vrancken is seeking to rapidly build match fitness and cohesion within his squad ahead of their first European qualifier.
The Jambos face Livingston tonight and have additional fixtures against Arbroath and Spanish side Rayo Vallecano before their European trip to Austria for the qualifier against Sturm Graz on July 21. Vrancken noted that the team’s limited opportunities so far, including only one overseas training camp in Spain and a closed-doors match against St Mirren, mean more game time is needed to integrate players and finalize a starting lineup for Europe.
During their recent 3-1 win over Livingston, Vrancken experimented with player roles, deploying several out of their usual positions. Defender Oisin McEntee, previously utilized primarily in defense under former manager Lee McInnes, has been tested as a central midfielder by Vrancken. Similarly, Yan Dhanda, returning from a loan spell at Dundee last season, has attracted the new coach’s attention and may have a future at Tynecastle as a midfielder. “We had to put some guys out of position,” Vrancken said, referring to the second half of the Livingston match when Dhanda, Sander Kartum, and Josh McPake featured in unfamiliar roles. He added, “I think Oisin is a central midfielder. Yan is also a central midfielder.”
There has been speculation surrounding goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow’s future, with reports suggesting he might return to Germany. However, Vrancken indicated that he has not yet been made aware of such developments and expects the keeper to remain at Hearts following an impressive debut season in Scotland.
Balancing the squad’s fitness and readiness remains a priority, especially with the Champions League qualifier approaching. Vrancken stressed the need to manage players’ minutes wisely in upcoming matches, including the home game against Rayo Vallecano, which will provide an important platform for players to prove themselves before the European tie. “We have to work toward Sturm Graz to find the team that will perform there,” he said. “The Rayo Vallecano game, it’s the first one at Tynecastle. You want to have everybody show themselves before the first match against Sturm Graz... They also have to be ready to go the full 90 minutes on that Tuesday.”
As Hearts continue their preparation, Vrancken’s focus remains on blending his squad quickly to meet the demands of both domestic and continental football.